The use of commanding elevations for altars seems to have been immemorial and universal. In itself the practice was not evil; (Gen 12:7); (Gen 12:8); (Gen 22:2-4); (Gen 31:54); (Jdg 6:25); (Jdg 6:26); (Jdg 13:16-23). After the establishment of Mount Moriah and the temple as the centre of divine worship; (Deu 12:5); (Ch2 7:12) the pentateuchal prohibition of the use of high places (Deu 12:11-14) which had looked forward to the setting up of such a centre, came into effect, and high places became identified with idolatrous practices. The constant recurrence to the use of high places, even for Jehovistic worship